Humans have always been influenced by natural landscapes; and always will bemdash;even as we create ever-larger cities and our developments fundamentally change the nature of the earth around us. In Human Ecology; noted city planner and landscape architect Frederick Steiner encourages us to consider how human cultures have been shaped by natural forces; and how we might use this understanding to contribute to a future where both nature and people thrive. Human ecology is the study of the interrelationships between humans and their environment; drawing on diverse fields from biology and geography to sociology; engineering; and architecture. Steiner admirably synthesizes these perspectives through the lens of landscape architecture; a discipline that requires its practitioners to consciously connect humans and their environments. After laying out eight principles for understanding human ecology; the bookrsquo;s chapters build from the smallest scale of connectionmdash;our homesmdash;and expand to community scales; regions; nations; and; ultimately; examine global relationships between people and nature. In this age of climate change; a new approach to planning and design is required to envision a livable future. Human Ecology provides architects; landscape architects; urban designers; and plannersmdash;and students in those fieldsmdash; with timeless principles for new; creative thinking about how their work can shape a vibrant; resilient future for ourselves and our planet.
#1182081 in eBooks 2016-01-29 2016-01-29File Name: B01B8TCPU4
Review
45 of 46 people found the following review helpful. Inspiration for western architects and craftsmenBy Voracious ReaderAmong our collection of a dozen or more illustrated books about Japanese architecture and design; this is by far the best. The exquisite photographs are accompanied by a thorough yet interesting explanation of the various traditional styles found in Japanese architecture.Although the emphasis is upon traditional homes; the volume also includes examples of the adaptation of these styles to elegant homes in Japan today. Be forewarned; however; many of the homes illustrated; both very old and modern; are far more spacious than middle-class Japanese are able to enjoy; even those living in rural Japan.When our present home; blending Japanese and Craftsman influences; is finished; we will give this book to our architects and contractor as tokens of our appreciation.(By the way; this reviewer lived in Japan for ten years.)5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Excellent!By RoninThis book is full of great color photos taken in and around 20 spectacular homes in Japan. The emphasis is on the traditional timberframe style; but many of the homes are designed for modern living. The book briefly explains the Japanese design theory; and uses the magnificent Zan Yu So villa as an example; complete with a good floorplan. There is a brief description preceding each home; but the book is more visual than wordy. I also recommend Lenny Bracketts "Building the Japanese House Today"; which is my personal favorite.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book showcasing a variety of Japanese interiorsBy Francine M. WebbExcellent book showcasing a variety of Japanese interiors. Many of the ideas are easily adaptable to the American way of life. Quality of book is superior.
